SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY A&E CALENDAR

LOCAL CONCERTS

Weekly at The Merc: Jazz at The Merc (7:30 p.m. Thursdays, $15), Country at The Merc (7 and 9 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays, $15), Classics at The Merc (3 p.m. Sundays, $12 adults and $5 students) and Cabaret at the Merc (6:30 p.m. last Sunday, $10-$20); The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

“Meet Me at the Copa: Latin Nights”: The All Star Big Band with the Copa Showgirl Dancers. Over the years, a who’s who of performers took the stage at this New York landmark playing music from around the world. The Copa inspired the classic 1978 Barry Manilow song “Copacabana.” Enjoy an afternoon of legendary music from The Copa sung by Troy Clarke and Cassie Miller; 2 p.m. March 24; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

Lee Koch: Koch (pronounced “Cook”) has already risen to the top of the musical world, and he began his journey in Temecula. After appearing on NBC’s “The Voice” this year, Koch hit the road for his next adventure. These days, you’ll find Koch and his band traveling around being “free from misery” and sharing their music with the world; 8 p.m. April 5; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

“Seeing Red”: By the California Chamber Orchestra. We’ve all heard that “music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.” But just as often, music incites our passions. The finale of the orchestra’s season plays to the passionate side. Fred Benedetti joins the orchestra for a special performance; 7:30 p.m. April 6; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$30 (paid adults or seniors can request two free tickets for ages 16 and younger; $10 student rush); (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

Third annual Onstage Jazz Festival: The festive atmosphere begins with The James Nation Trio playing jazz at 12:30 p.m. on the outdoor stage in the courtyard. OnStage Musicals has taken some of the finest musicians from the desert Inland Empire and Los Angeles and put them on the lineup: Yve Evans (vocalist and pianist), Brian Nova (guitarist with the Steve Miller Band), Rod Kolkolj (saxophonist), Babe Elefante (bassist), Joel Wenhardt (pianist), Steve Madio (trumpeter for Earth Wind and Fire), and Andy Fraga (pianist); 2 p.m. April 28; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $25-$37; (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

Montana Skies: Based in Atlanta, Montana Skies is a metaphor for musical freedom. This imaginative and dynamic duo continue to follow their creative instincts to play with deep passion. In concert, these award-winning musicians delve into music from Pink Floyd and Rush to Vivaldi and House of the Rising Sun; their originals have been featured everywhere from NPR to the Travel Channel; 8 p.m. May 3; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20; (951) 308-6377,
temeculatheater.org.

THEATER & DANCE

danceXchange: A monthly showcase presented in various settings at the theater to bring the local dance community together in celebration of the varied and eclectic dance community. No audition necessary. Interested dancers and choreographers with work ready to share should contact
danceXchange.temecula@gmail.com to get into the performance. All types of work are accepted; 7 p.m. every third Tuesday; Courtyard area, the Merc or the theater at Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $5; (866) 653-8696, temeculatheater.org.

“The Wizard of Oz”: CYT Riverside County presents. From a bumpy ride over the rainbow to an adventure-filled journey down the yellow brick road, little Dorothy Gale takes the audience from Kansas to the Emerald City in one of the most beloved stories of all time; 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 7, 9-10 and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and March 10; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15;
temeculatheater.org.

“Gallim Dance”: Gallim Dance is known for its individuality, inventive nature and impressive talent. They love testing the limits of the imagination to realize the endless human capacity for inspiration; 8 p.m. March 22-23; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

“Fiddler on the Roof”: The Tony Award-winning musical that has captured hearts all over the world with its universal appeal embarks on its 2012/2013 North American tour; 7:30 p.m. March 28; Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; $25-$75; (951) 779-9800,
foxriversidelive.com, ticketmaster.com.

“Father of the Bride”: This production replaces the originally scheduled production of “Plaza Suite.” Mr. Banks learns that one of the young men he has seen occasionally about the house, Buckley Dunstan, is about to become his son-in-law! His daughter, Kay, announces their engagement out of nowhere at dinner one night. Mrs. Banks and her sons are happy — Father, not so much! April 11-21; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

Northwest Dance Project: The classically trained yet daring company won the Audience Award at the 25th Annual Hannover Choreographic Festival, the 2011 Sadler’s Wells Global Dance Contest, and performed twice in London at the 2012 Cultural Olympiad; 8 p.m. April 26-27; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $15-$25; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

Readers Theater in the Merc: “Good People” by David Lindsay-Abaire; 7 p.m. May 22; The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $10; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

“Grease”: Presented by Fine Arts Network Theatre Co. After a summer fling, Danny and Sandy must decide whether they really do “go together.” Not appropriate for small children; May 23-June 2; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$33; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

“Anything Goes”: Presented by Temecula Valley Players. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love — proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, tap-dancing “angels” and a Public Enemy No. 1 wannabe; 7:30 p.m. June 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29 and 2 p.m. June 16, 23 and 30; Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $20-$25; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.

Readers Theater in the Merc: featuring “First”; 7 p.m. June 26; The Merc, Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula; $10; (866) 653-8696,
temeculatheater.org.